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Mashatu Lodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Abundant wildlife
- Superb hosting
- Comfortable suites

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Overview

Mashatu Lodge is a substantial, luxurious property within the private Mashatu Game Reserve, in the Tuli area of southeast Botswana. Close to the Majale River, this charming accommodation is tucked away amidst a lovely oasis, teeming with wildlife. The large adjacent waterhole attracts elephant, antelope, lion, and even cheetah and leopard, along with a plethora of vibrant birdlife. Excellent hosting, good facilities, immaculate grounds, and high quality cuisine combine to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere unusual for a lodge of this size. Although it is possible to fly in from Maun (Botswana), the reserve borders South Africa and transfers from Johannesburg are much easier, with guests arriving either by self-drive, organised road transfers, or by air. The nearest airport to Mashatu is Limpopo Valley, about half an hour’s drive away.

The main areas are simply but tastefully decorated, with striking African fabrics and wildlife photography. Beyond reception, a central shady outdoor area features a good-sized pool, and the restaurant, bar, and lounge overlook the well-frequented waterhole. An African ‘boma’ provides a cosy setting for evening drinks around the fire. Entertainment facilities include a TV room, a curio shop, and a Discovery Centre featuring historical and zoological exhibits. Although somewhat unreliable, complimentary WiFi is available in the main areas.

The lodge’s 14 delightful suites extend out from the main areas in a line, with suites 14 and 15 located closest to the central areas, and facing the waterhole. Every suite is spacious and exceptionally comfortable, all with a double and a single bed, as well as a lounge equipped with a single day bed. A large ensuite bathroom features both bath and shower facilities, along with a separate toilet.

An excellent variety of safari activities is on offer, including sensational game viewing on horseback, by mountain bike, on foot, or as part of day and/or night game drives. Friendly and attentive guides keep guests entertained and well informed, and spending time in Mashatu's hide, with its up-close sightings including predator encounters, is a real highlight.

All 14 suites can comfortably accommodate children, making this a great choice for families travelling together in groups. The Children's Club is a fantastic resource recommended for, but not exclusive to, children aged 4-12 years of age. Under constant supervision, children can partake in animal trivia and games, a game walk around the grounds identifying plants and birds, cultural workshops, and pool games. Should parents wish to relax in the boma in the evening, babysitting and movie time services are available. Note that children not booked into the club should remain under parental supervision at all times, since the pool is unfenced, and the lodge is open to wildlife wondering through.

Mashatu Lodge will entice any traveller seeking the thrill of the Mashatu reserve's superb wildlife viewing opportunities, coupled with a touch of luxury in a beautiful waterside setting.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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